March is here, and it’s time to kickstart your garden like a pro! The season of growth is upon us, and the vegetables that thrive in early spring are waiting for you.
Starting your crops now means fresh, homegrown produce sooner than you can imagine. From crunchy carrots to hearty peas, these 17 vegetables are perfect for getting a head start before the heat of summer arrives.
Don’t wait—March is the golden window to plant these vegetables and watch them flourish under the cool spring sky. Get your hands dirty, feel the soil, and prepare for a harvest that will make your taste buds sing!
Ready to turn your garden into a veggie paradise? Let’s dive into the plants that will make your March unforgettable!
Carrots
Looking for a crunchy addition to your meals? Carrots are the way to go!
Starting them in March ensures a long growing season, allowing their flavor to develop fully. Plant them in loose, well-drained soil to encourage those long, straight roots.
Use a fine layer of soil to cover the seeds and keep the soil moist. Enjoy their vibrant color in a few months!
Be patient, as carrots take time to germinate, but the reward is a sweet, nutritious harvest.
Beets
Beets offer a burst of color and nutrition to any garden. These hardy vegetables can withstand the cool weather of early spring, making March an ideal time to plant them.
Sow seeds directly into the soil, spacing them out to provide room for their roots to expand. Thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding, ensuring strong growth.
Beets not only produce delicious roots but their greens are equally tasty. Their earthy sweetness and vibrant hues will adorn your garden and table.
Lettuce
Fresh, homegrown lettuce is a delight that no salad lover should miss! Planting lettuce in March takes advantage of the cool weather, which is perfect for this leafy green.
Opt for a sunny spot and keep the soil consistently moist. Try different varieties like romaine or butterhead for a colorful mix.
Frequent harvesting encourages new growth, offering a continuous supply. Whether in a salad or as a garnish, lettuce brings fresh flavors to spring dishes.
Spinach
Spinach thrives in the cool temperatures of March, making it perfect for an early start. Plant the seeds directly into the ground, ensuring well-drained soil and partial shade.
Spinach is a fast grower, so you’ll be enjoying fresh leaves in no time. Harvest regularly to keep the plants productive.
Whether tossed in a salad or cooked into a dish, spinach adds a nutritious boost to any meal. Its tender leaves and rich flavor are a springtime favorite.
Peas
Peas are a gardener’s joy, offering both beauty and bounty. Starting peas in March takes advantage of their preference for cooler weather.
Plant them near a trellis or support to allow the vines to climb. Watch as they produce delicate flowers followed by sweet, crisp pods.
Harvest the pods regularly to encourage ongoing production. Enjoy them fresh or cooked.
This versatile vegetable not only enriches the soil but also your plate with its delightful taste.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a cool-weather crop that performs well when sown in March. Its ability to withstand lower temperatures makes it ideal for early planting.
Provide ample space between each plant to accommodate their large heads. Cabbage loves full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Regular watering ensures steady growth. Whether you enjoy it raw in coleslaw or cooked in stews, cabbage adds a hearty, nutritious element to any dish.
Broccoli
Broccoli offers a wealth of nutrients and thrives in the coolness of March. Plant seeds in fertile soil with good drainage, ensuring full sun exposure.
Space them appropriately to avoid competition and allow room for growth. Regular feeding and watering promote healthy development.
As soon as the heads reach a desirable size, harvest them to encourage side shoot production. Broccoli brings a satisfying crunch and rich flavor to spring meals.
Radishes
Radishes are the sprinters of the vegetable garden, maturing in just a few weeks. Planting them in March offers quick rewards, making them perfect for impatient gardeners.
Sow seeds directly into the soil, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Their peppery crunch is a welcome addition to salads and snacks.
Harvest promptly to prevent them from becoming woody. Enjoy their speedy growth and the burst of flavor they bring to your garden.
Onions
Onions are a staple in many kitchens, and planting them in March sets the stage for a robust harvest. Both seeds and sets can be used, depending on your preference for timing and ease.
Ensure they receive full sun and are planted in well-drained soil. Onions grow well next to carrots or beets, maximizing space and yield.
As they mature, their pungent aroma and flavor enhance countless dishes, making them indispensable in cooking.
Kale
Kale is a resilient superstar in the garden, thriving in March’s cooler temperatures. Sow seeds directly for a robust start, or transplant seedlings for an early harvest.
This leafy green loves sunlight and benefits from regular watering. Kale’s sturdy leaves hold up well in salads and can be cooked to perfection.
Packed with nutrients, it’s a versatile addition to your garden lineup. Enjoy its rich, slightly bitter taste throughout the season.
Chard
Chard is a garden gem, known for its striking colors and adaptability. March is an ideal time to plant this leafy vegetable, taking advantage of the cool weather.
Its bright stems and large leaves make it visually appealing as well as nutritious. Space the seeds well to accommodate its growth.
Chard is perfect in stir-fries or as a steamed side, adding both color and flavor to meals. Its resilience and beauty make it a garden favorite.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that benefits from a March planting. The cool weather helps develop its dense, white heads.
Plant it in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Space the plants to allow for their growth.
Regular watering and feeding ensure robust development. Whether roasted, steamed, or blended into soups, cauliflower adds texture and nutrition to various dishes.
Its subtle flavor is a spring delight.
Turnips
Turnips are easy to grow and perfect for March planting. They thrive in cool weather and can be used for both their roots and greens.
Sow seeds directly in the soil, keeping them well-spaced to allow for bulb growth. Turnips are ready to harvest when they reach a usable size.
Their mild flavor complements both raw and cooked dishes. The greens can be used in salads or sautés, offering a dual-purpose crop for your garden.
Leeks
Leeks are a gourmet addition to the garden, thriving in March’s cooler temperatures. Plant them in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil.
As they grow, mound soil around the stems to blanch them, enhancing their sweet, mild flavor. Leeks are perfect in soups and stews, bringing a sophisticated touch to your cooking.
Their elegant appearance and unique taste make them a rewarding choice for adventurous gardeners.
Parsnips
Parsnips require a long growing season, and starting them in March provides just that. These roots prefer loose, well-drained soil to grow straight and long.
Germination can be slow, so patience is key. As they grow, their sweet, nutty flavor develops, perfect for roasting or soups.
Regular watering is essential to prevent splitting. Parsnips are an excellent choice for those looking to add depth and variety to their garden harvest.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cool-weather crop that benefits from March planting. These plants require rich soil and full sun.
As they grow, support the tall stalks to prevent tipping. The sprouts form along the stem and should be harvested when firm.
Brussels sprouts bring a unique flavor and texture to dishes, especially when roasted or sautéed. Their long growing season rewards you with a generous harvest that’s worth the wait.
Arugula
Arugula is a fast-growing green that thrives when planted in March. Known for its peppery kick, it’s a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
Sow seeds directly into the soil, providing adequate space for leaf development. Frequent watering keeps the leaves tender.
Harvest regularly to maintain its energetic growth. Arugula’s bold flavor adds a refreshing twist to spring dishes, making it a must-have for flavor enthusiasts.